From: Carol Rasor

Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 11:36 AM

To: Janice Thiel

Subject: Form Submission (Critical Thinking Activities & Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs))

Critical Thinking Activities & Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs)

Thank you for submitting your Critical Thinking Activity/RLO idea. Please forward this message and attach any supplemental files (e.g., Handouts, PowerPoints, etc.) to Thiel.Janice@SPCollege.edu

*1.

Title of Critical Thinking Activity/RLO:

Your Answer: Research Assignment

*2.

Briefly describe or summarize the Activity/RLO:

Your Answer: This Activity/RLO is a research assignment used to support the learning of the below major learning outcome and course objectives. This research assignment can be tailored to any public safety administration topic.

*3.

Subject Area(s) - Select all that apply:

Your Answer: Public Safety Administration

*4.

What is(are) the Major Learning Outcome(s) addressed by this Activity/RLO (from course outline)?

Your Answer: The student will demonstrate an understanding of legal aspects concerning a criminal investigation.

*5.

What is(are) the Course Objective(s) addressed by this Activity/RLO (stated in performance terms)?

Your Answer: 1.The student will demonstrate an understanding of legal aspects concerning the conduct and prosecution of a criminal investigation by: a.researching criminal statutes dealing with criminal acts. b.discussing court decisions affecting the investigative process. c.describing the role of prosecutors in the criminal justice process. d.preparing an investigative initiative. e.comparing the role of the prosecution and judicial processes in law enforcement investigations.

*6.

Type of Activity/RLO - Select all that apply:

Your Answer: Individual

*7.

Time - How much time does it take to conduct this Activity/RLO?

Your Answer: Entire Class

*8.

List the materials that are necessary to conduct this Activity/RLO:

Your Answer: Computer - access to the Internet or library.

*9.

Instructions - Give detailed step-by-step instructions on how to conduct this Activity/RLO:

Your Answer: Research Assignment Criminal investigations require attention to detail, comprehensive evaluation, analysis, significant documentation and effort. Therefore, these research assignments are designed to help you develop these skills through a research process. Remember, as a criminal investigator many components of the criminal justice system will read your reports. After the case is closed, your report becomes public record. Each response must be a minimum of 500 words, detailed, reflect critical thinking skills, include illustrations or examples and supported by research and not simply opinions. Each response must include three references presented in APA style or provide the links. Your research assignment must be submitted as an attachment in Microsoft Word. This week's research assignment: In chapter 3, on page 53, the author states "Evidence must be competent, relevant and material to be held admissible." •Research the Internet or other source and find a court case in which the case was lost or dismissed due to lack of competent, relevant and material evidence. •Provide a detailed summary of the case and circumstances. •What was the central issue that resulted in the evidence being considered not competent, relevant and material. •Evaluate and analyze how the police or prosecution could have strengthened this case for a successful prosecution. •Reflect on how you would have handled the case to insure that the evidence was competent, relevant and material leading to a successful conviction.

*10.

List Additional Resources, for example: Web address/URL, Handouts, PowerPoint, etc. Copy/Paste URLs here. Later, when you receive your confirmation message, forward any supplemental files to the QEP Director.

Your Answer: Each chapter of the text has relevant websites for the students to explore and to be used as resources for the research assignment.

*11.

SPC established as its definition of critical thinking: The active and systemic process of communication, problem solving, evaluation, analysis, synthesis, and reflection, both individually and in community, to foster understanding, support sound decision-making, and guide action.

Which aspect(s) of critical thinking does this Activity/RLO address? - Select all that apply:

Your Answer: Communication, Problem-solving, Evaluation, Analysis, Synthesis, Reflection

*12.

How will this improve our students’ ability to think critically?

Your Answer: Students will have the opportunity to critically analyze and evaluate why the evidence was considered not competent, relevant or material and the impact this evidence had on losing or dismissing the case. Students will have to analyze, evaluate and reflect on the case. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect on how the student would insure that the evidence would have been competent, relevant and material leading to a successful conviction. Students will communicate their findings through a written assignment.

*13.

Have you consulted the Activity/RLO Guidelines?

Your Answer: Yes

· Email:rasor.carol@spcollege.edu

If you have any questions or comments about this form, please contact Janice Thiel at Thiel.Janice@SPCollege.edu or call (727) 341-3110